Sénanque Abbey in Provence. Photo: Luis Ascenso

Even for those who have yet to step foot on French soil, Provence is a name familiar to many — whether it is the vision of billowing lavender fields, the illustrious work of Vincent Van Gogh, the eponymous wine appellations, and of course, the sapphire shorelines of Mediterranean bliss.

Some call Provence the quintessence of France: the grand intersection of fine wine, buzzing culture, delectable food, and wondrous nature. Though the region may be rich in its fruits, there are plenty of ways to experience all of its grandeur without being rich yourself — financially that is.

How to maximize your euros in Provence

1. Wine: Diversify your palate

Let’s be honest. One cannot deny the prestigious reputations of appellations like Châteauneuf du Pape or Coteaux d’Aix en Provence; they are vanguards of French viticulture, but their fame is not unparalleled to some of the lesser-known appellations of Provence. You’ll be happy to know that once you arrive, your preconceived notion of wine will grow exponentially — and at a price accessible for all budgets.

Traveling during the summer? Venture to the Languedoc capital of Provence, Montpellier, for their Estivales night markets occurring every Thursday evening between July 6th and August 31st (except the 13th). €5 will buy you two glasses of local wine and a chance to immerse yourself with the local esprit de corps, music and various food vendors abounding. What’s more, every Friday the association, Les Coteaux de Languedoc, offers two free oenology courses, however, spots are limited so be sure to grab yours in advance.

If you’re looking to visit a vineyard off the beaten track, I would highly recommend the idyllic Château Mourgues du Grès: a family-run estate based on organic growing principles, and offering visitors a truly unique nature-oriented experience.  It won’t surprise you their motto is, “Sine Sole Nihil” (Nothing Without Sun).

2. Culture: Festivals, markets, museums, galore!

With no shortage of cultural hotspots, Provence has something for everyone anywhere you go. Most museums offer reduced-price tickets for families as well as those under 26.

In Arles, students can enjoy the recently finished Fondation Vincent Van Gogh, which hosts an impressive array of exhibitions, in addition to famous paintings by the artist himself, for only €4!

In Marseille, you definitely won’t want to pass up the renowned MUCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, a 10 to 15-minute walk from the main train station, perched on the edge of the sea. For just €9.50, skip the line to the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions, plus gain access to the J4 building and Fort Saint-Jean. Even if you’re not big on history, the building’s serene location and juxtaposing architecture are reason enough to make the trek.

While you may have heard of the legendary Festival d’Avignon, the annual performing arts festival (and largest festival in France), or the world-class, Cannes Film Festival on the French Riviera, Provence nurtures an eclectic roster of cultural options and events throughout the year for budgets big and small. For all the cinephiles out there, be sure to check out the ultra-hip cinema, Utopia, in Avignon where a matinée will set you back at €4 — plus, it sits adjacent to the monumental Palais des Papes!

Insider’s Tip: Local newspapers and public bulletin boards often show all the happenings of the town, so keep an eye out for artistic posters and flyers. Also, if you’re keen on checking out the Festival d’Arles, come during the opening week and situate yourself on a terrace as many performers come around, passing out special invitations.

Market day in Avignon. Photo: Julian

3. Food: Indulge your taste buds at local markets

When it comes to food, the best way to stretch your wallet is heading to one of the many markets Provence hosts. Not only are you saving money, but you’re also engaging with the local community and gourmandizing the French way. Get your foodie and culture fix in one by gathering your favorite picnic fare, trying all the free samples, all the while absorbing the vibrant and fragrant atmosphere.

Saint Rémy de Provence – Wednesdays and Saturdays 8h-13h
Highlights: Not far from the fairytale town, Les Baux de Provence, making it a great place to gather picnic fare before meandering the neighboring towns!

Aix-en-Provence – Wednesdays and Sundays 8h-13
Highlights: Christmas market in December!

Avignon – Tuesdays – Sundays
Highlights: The gateway to Provence and capital of Vaucluse, Avignon brims with gothic architecture and medieval ramparts, notably visible from the prodigious Palais des Papes, home of the Roman Catholic Church during the 14th century. From full-blown farmers markets to flower markets and flea markets, you’ll find plenty of goodies sold at affordable prices.

Carpentras – Fridays
Highlights: One of the oldest markets in France, situated on a bed of rich agriculture, Carpentras is famous for their strawberries in the spring and truffles in the winter.

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Thursdays – Sundays
Highlights: One of the best brocantes (antiques) market in the south of France!

A peaceful scene at Pont du Gard. Photo: Gerard

4. Nature: Enliven your senses

Though Provence’s terrain is more arid-leaning, it is far from looking bereft of lush vegetation. Known for its “meso-climates,” and undulating limestone mountain ranges, it’s no wonder Provence attracts famous celebrities and curious travelers alike.

To visit Provence and not bask in its bucolic opulence — engaging in activities like hiking, bicycling, swimming, or even rock climbing — would be a shame, and to some, complete and utter sacrilege! For the budget traveler, Provence offers one of the most diverse regions for lovers of the outdoors.

Here are some favorites:

Les Calanques: for a stunning seaside hike, swim, and/or climb

Pont du Gard: for a float down the river Gard and a remarkable example of Roman architecture

Gorge du Verdon: for a mystical hike, swim, and/or climb amidst the deepest gorge in France

Les Alpilles: for a plethora of scenic viewpoints overlooking quintessential Provençal towns, including Luberon, Baux de Provence, and Tarascon among others

Soak in Provence at Hôtel et Jardin in Avignon.

5. Travel & Lodging: Resting your head and getting from A to B

Coming from Paris? Check out Ouigo, an affordable subsidiary of SNCF (France’s national train line), covering a variety of spots in the Provence-Alpes-Côtes d’Azur (PACA) region. Tickets can be as low as €10 one way, just be sure to book at least two weeks in advance.

Related: How to find cheap tickets on France’s high-speed trains

If you’re flying in, you have even more options. The biggest airport is located in Marseille; however, many of the budget airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet fly into Nîmes, Nice, and Montpellier from other French and European and Northern African locales.

Provence is loaded with affordable accommodations whether you’re looking for a rural retreat with a pool or a cozy hotel room in the heart of the city center. If you’re headed to Aix-en-Provence, you can check in at these cheap and charming hotels. or book a room at the best budget hotels in Avignonon.

Looking for more options? Search thousands of hotels and vacation apartments in Provence.